Four European holiday destinations without the new confusing entry rules – but with £26 flights and insanely cheap beers

NEW rules being introduced next month mean that travelling across Schengen borders could take longer than before. The new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to be introduced on October 12, will result in significant changes for British travellers heading to many European destinations. GettyThere are a number of destinations that will not be impacted by the new EES being introduced on October 12[/caption] GettyFor example, if you are heading to Montenegro, you will not need to submit your biometric data[/caption] Under EES, Brits will be required to submit biometric data, such as a facial image and fingerprint, for the digital system. In total, 29 countries will implement the new system, however it remains unclear which borders will be impacted immediately after October 12, leaving holidaymakers unsure where their journey to their destination will be delayed. However, there will be 27 countries exempt from the system, as they are ‘non-Schengen countrie

Four European holiday destinations without the new confusing entry rules – but with £26 flights and insanely cheap beers

NEW rules being introduced next month mean that travelling across Schengen borders could take longer than before.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to be introduced on October 12, will result in significant changes for British travellers heading to many European destinations.

Stone buildings on a waterfront with lounge chairs and a small boat.
Getty
There are a number of destinations that will not be impacted by the new EES being introduced on October 12[/caption]
Stone street in Kotor's old town, Montenegro.
Getty
For example, if you are heading to Montenegro, you will not need to submit your biometric data[/caption]

Under EES, Brits will be required to submit biometric data, such as a facial image and fingerprint, for the digital system.

In total, 29 countries will implement the new system, however it remains unclear which borders will be impacted immediately after October 12, leaving holidaymakers unsure where their journey to their destination will be delayed.

However, there will be 27 countries exempt from the system, as they are ‘non-Schengen countries’.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to people, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.

“I think we can definitely expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months.”

With that in mind, here are some non-Schengen countries to consider visiting instead of typical Schengen spots like Spain, France and Germany.

Montenegro

According to Laura, Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up and coming destinations in Europe.

However, the destination remains less crowded and a good alternative for those wanting to head to Croatia.

The city is full of quaint towns, sandy beaches and a dramatic coastline – all for a fraction of the cost.

For example, you could head from London Stansted Airport to Podgorica Airport in October from as little as £34 for a return flight.

Kotor is a coastal town in the country, with lots of natural beauty and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Laura said: “This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay extortionate prices.”

Accommodation is cheap too, costing from £23 per person, per night.

If you are then looking for something to eat, a three-course meal won’t set you back a fortune either, costing around £39.74 per person.

And of course, you need a beer to go with your food, which will cost around £2.38.

Aerial view of Donji Orahovac village in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.
Getty
Kotor is well-known for its beautiful, well-preserved medieval town[/caption]

Albania

Tirana is the capital of Albania, sat on the Balkan coast of Europe.

The city is full of vibrant and colourful buildings, with many different layers of history.

One of the best ways to explore the city is by walking – it is relatively flat and the main areas are all close together.

As you gander around the city, you’ll see lots of street art and murals, as well as traditional Albanian villas mixed in amongst Soviet architecture.

And foodies will be happy to hear that a lot of the restaurants and cafes in Tirana are super affordable, serving up local dishes like Fërgesë Gjize, which is baked cheese with pepper, and Trilece, a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk.

Return flights cost from £26 in October, between London Stansted and Tirana.

Accommodation is also super cheap, costing from as little as £12 per person per night.

A three course meal will set you back around £44.31 per person and for a beer you’ll spend around £2.22.

Clock Tower and red building in Tirana, Albania at dusk.
Getty
In Tirana, the capital of Albania, you will find a mix of traditional villas and Soviet architecture[/caption]

Bosnia

Sarajevo, dubbed the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’, is one of the only places where you can visit a mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.

The city sits inside a long, thin valley which is surrounded by forested mountains and a broad mix of cultural influences mean that Sarajevo has a mix of architecture and restaurants as well.

Return flights cost from £46 in October, from London Stansted to Sarajevo and accommodation could cost you as little as £18 per person, per night.

On average, a three-course meal costs around £26.59 and you can grab a beer for around £2.22.

Sarajevo's Latin Bridge and old town.
Getty
Sarajevo features a vast mix of cultures and as a result has lots of different architecture to explore[/caption]

Kosovo

Despite being a landlocked country, Kosovo is known for its vibrant culture and modern history as a result of its declaration of independence in 2008.

The capital of the country, Pristina, boasts a thriving cafe culture as well as a number of Ottoman-era mosques.

One key landmark in the city is the Newborn Monument, which was revealed on Kosovo’s independence day in 2008.

The landmark is repainted each year on February 17 to mark the anniversary of the country’s independence.

Foodies can enjoy a mix of Balkan and Mediterranean inspired dishes, with local favourites including Tave Prizreni, which is a lamb casserole.

Return flights between London Luton and Pristina International Airport can cost as low as £54 per person and staying at a three-star hotel costs from £23 per night, per person.

For food and drinks, a three-course meal for one person will set you back as little as £10.43, and you can add a beer for around £1.74.

Countries where the new Entry/Exit System will apply

HERE is a list of the Schengen countries where EES will apply...

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Here is everything you need to know about the new Entry/Exit System.

Plus, major new airport rules to make travelling to Europe much easier – what Starmer’s new Brexit deal means for your holiday.

Aerial view of Pristina, Kosovo.
Alamy
Pristina is the capital of Kosovo, a city home to a lot of modern history[/caption]

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow